Intellectual Property

What is Intellectual Property and why is it important for your business?

For a business, one of its most valuable assets is something quite intangible: Intellectual Property ('IP'). IP is the value generated by your creativity. It can include trademarks, copyrights, design rights and patents. Just because you cannot see or touch it, it doesn't mean it has no value. IP can create income for you, help you grow, and add value when you come to sell or exit. It needs to be identified, nurtured and protected in order to safeguard your future.

Types of Intellectual Property Protection

Copyright

Copyright is the right of a creator of a particular piece of work to prevent other people from reproducing or making use of that work. The law of copyright exist to make sure that if you’re a creator, you can create value from your work by retaining control over its exploitation.

Design rights

Design rights are an underused element of intellectual property rights because many people don't know about them. There are two types of design rights: registered design rights and unregistered design rights.

Trademarks

A trademark is a mark that a business uses to differentiate its goods or services from those of all other business. It’s a badge of (trade) origin that tells the consumer ‘this is my product’ or ‘these are my services’. When you have a trademark registered, nobody can use that mark in your business sector without your agreement, and so it’s a very valuable way of protecting your brand.